Arkansas Rep Presents HENRY V, 9/5

Arkansas Repertory Theatre presents William Shakespeare's HENRY V, September 05, 2012 - September 23, 2012. Avery Clark returns to The Rep as Henry V after his stunning turn in Hamlet in 2010.

“From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered, we few, we happy few, we band of brothers…” – Act IV, Scene iii

Shakespeare’s most famous history play is at once an indictment of war and a testament to courage in the face of overwhelming odds as an adventurous young king tests the boundaries of power.

With the death of his father, young King Henry casts off the trappings of youthful misadventures and transforms into a leader of men. With his country wracked by strife, mocked by the French and eager to assert his birthright, Henry launches a rash invasion that culminates in the fateful battle of Agincourt.

Weary and grossly outnumbered, the English face near certain defeat, but Henry’s inspirational leadership turns the tide of war and turns a man into a legend. The power of Henry V lies in its contradictions: Valor and cruelty, greed and generosity, honor and treachery. These contradictions make the play immediately accessible to a modern audience and help bring the characters to vivid life on the stage.

“From his confrontation with the close friends who betray him to his wooing of the French princess, Henry V is such a compelling character,” says Director Robert Hupp. “A young king, untested, driven by ambition, strives for redemption and power through the cauldron of war and redefines his world in the process.”

PAY WHAT YOU CAN NIGHTWednesday, Sept. 5 | 7 p.m.Arkansas Democrat-Gazette presents The Rep’s “Pay What You Can Night." Patrons can pay any amount they wish for their ticket. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office at 601 Main Street the day of the performance. The Box Office will be open from 9 a.m. until curtain. Tickets are limited to (2) two per person. Offer is based on seating availability.

CLINTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE Distinguished Speaker SeriesThursday, Sept. 6 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.Clinton School of Public Service, 1200 President Clinton Avenue, Little RockJoin Rep Producing Artistic Director and Henry V director Bob Hupp as he hosts the cast from The Rep’s production of Henry V for a panel discussion on Shakespeare's most famous history play.

Arkansas Repertory Theatre works in partnership with the Clinton School of Public Service to participate in their Distinguished Speaker Series, hosting educational panel discussions on various Rep productions. The panel discussions are led by Producing Artistic Director Bob Hupp and include insights from guest directors, actors and Bob himself on bringing compelling stories to The Rep stage. Call the Clinton School at (501) 683-5239 for reservations.

HENRY V STUDENT NIGHTThursday, Sept. 6 | 6 p.m.

Local college and high school students can attend Henry V for $15 on this night. The preview will include a pre-show talk with Director Bob Hupp and The Rep’s creative team on William Shakespeare’s Henry V at 6:15 p.m. in the theatre before the performance at 7 p.m. Tickets must be reserved by Friday, August 31. Valid Student ID required when picking up tickets. Student tickets are available only through The Rep Box Office at (501) 378-0405.

OPENING NIGHTFriday, September 7 | 7 p.m.Opening Night will include a post-show reception with the cast immediately following the show. Complimentary champagne and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided.

STUDENT ACTOR WORKSHOPSaturday, September 15, Arkansas Repertory Theatre will host a Student Actor workshop with the cast of Henry V from 1p.m. to 4p.m. at Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

This workshop for high school and college students ages 15-22. The Student Actor Workshop will cover on-stage combat, blocking and dissecting the language of Shakespeare’s Henry V for a modern audience. The workshop will be led by professional actors Avery Clark and Nikki Coble who play the roles of Henry the Fifth and Katherine in The Rep’s production of Henry V. The workshop is free and space is limited. Only 25 spots available.

SIGN INTERPRETATIONPerformance interpreted for the hearing impaired on Wednesday, September 12.

PERFORMANCE RUNHenry V will run for three weeks with performances from September 5-September 23, 2012, Wednesday through Sunday.